Fish stock is liquid made from seasoning, water, and fresh fish parts. Similar to broth, it often serves as part of the liquid base in seafood soups, stews, and chowders. Stock is frequently preferred to water for soups and stews because it adds an extra seafood flavor. Unlike chicken or beef stock, which is made using a similar process, fish stock does not need to be cooked for hours. Although fish stock can be found commercially, it is more often homemade.

White fish, such as flounder, cod, or red snapper, is normally used to make fish stock. Since white fish is leaner than oily fish, it is more desirable for the stock. Only the bones, heads, and, sometimes, fins are used. The gills are removed from the head before it is included in the stock.

In addition to the fish parts, onions, carrots, and celery are normally added. Black peppercorns and salt are popular additions for seasonings. Dry white wine or white wine vinegar combined with water usually serves as the liquid element. Either olive oil or butter is included for sauteing as well.

Ad

Many versions of fish stock add a bundle of spices, termed a herb bouquet or sachet d'épices. The spice bag usually consists of fresh or whole herbs, such as bay leaves, thyme springs, and garlic cloves, wrapped and tied in cheesecloth. Parsley stems and whole cloves are also sometimes included. Wrapping the herbs in cheesecloth allows the flavors to combine with the stock without stray herbs floating in the liquid.

To make fish stock, the vegetables are usually sauteed in olive oil, and sometimes the fish bones are sauteed with them. Afterward, the rest of the ingredients are added. When all the elements have been included, the stock is first brought to a boil and then simmered for about half an hour. During simmering, any foam that forms on the surface of the liquid can be skimmed off.

Once complete, the stock is sieved, usually through layers of cheesecloth. Any solids are disposed of and only liquid should be kept. The fish stock can immediately be used for a soup, stew, sauce, or chowder, or it can be covered and refrigerated for up to two days. It also may be frozen for about two months. When chilled, any excess fat that forms on the surface should be skimmed off before the stock is used in a recipe.

Related wiseGEEK Articles

Discuss this Article

LostnfoundPost 2

Fish stock is a pain to make. I've tried it. It turned out all right, but overall, I'd rather used canned. It's just as good. Shrimp stock sounds much, much easier.

Fish stock has to be skimmed and really strained to make sure you get any small pieces of bones out. It stores well, but seriously, it's cheaper and easier to get canned stock. I'd rather do that. No errors, no bones -- just prepared stock.

GrivusangelPost 1

Fish stock is really important for a good base for seafood gumbo. You can also use shrimp stock. Either will work, but a good fish/seafood stock is necessary for a decent gumbo.

I've never tried fish stock. I have made shrimp stock, and it's easy. You just throw the shells and tails into the stock pot with water, add lemon, bay leaves and peppercorns and boil. Then you strain it. I don't keep cheesecloth, but I do have a pretty fine mesh strainer which works well.

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!